Holy Family PS Spirit of Catholic award

Holy Family PS Spirit of Catholic award

12 February 2025

A LOCAL primary school has been celebrating after winning an education award.

Holy Family Primary School in Teconnaught was one of 11 primary schools in the Down and Connor diocese to receive a Spirit of Catholic Education Award for 2025 at a ceremony in St Mary’s University College, Belfast, recently. 

The award recognised how as a school Holy Family PS lives out Christian values whilst nurturing the wellbeing of pupils on a daily basis. 

The school took part in a verbal wellbeing programme which engaged pupils and helped them to build better emotional wellbeing and resilience. 

The citation delivered by Mr Dominic Donnelly, Down and Connor Catholic Schools’ Support Service, stated:

“Holy Family Primary is being presented with the Spirit of Catholic Education Award because you demonstrated both in application and video, that your school is a place of lived witness to the Gospel values.

“The adjudication panel was particularly impressed by how Catholic values are firmly rooted in the school’s Mission Statement: ‘In our hands we hold the future, in His hands He holds us’. 

“Mental health and wellbeing is a central focus in the pastoral provision for pupils. Staff seek to fulfil their responsibilities as educators who are ‘servant leaders’.”  

Mr Donnelly continued: “At times children may get lost on their journey through life, but staff acknowledge their sacred responsibility to guide them back to a safe and secure place.

“Perhaps this part of their mission as Catholic educators is best summed up by the words of Pope Francis:

“‘A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just’. Congratulations, you are indeed most worthy winners and witnesses for Christ’.”

The school’s vice-principal, Mrs Geraldine Sproule, said: “Our children at Holy Family PS are instilled with the belief that with hard work, resilience and gratitude they can succeed and follow their passions and dreams.”

She added: “The board of governors and staff wish to extend our thanks to our wonderful pupils and families for helping us achieve the Spirit of Catholic Education Award. 

“Our partnership with them ensures that each child gains their full potential academically, socially and emotionally.”